Products &amp; methods that harness the power of fun to motivate children

ABSTRACT

A method is disclosed of motivating a child to want to do what is beneficial, including the steps of  
     (a) providing an item which the child interacts with to establish a play pattern that is fun for the child,  
     (b) packaging the item in a manner that is convenient to use and wherein the packaging assists in establishing the play pattern.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a utility patent application based on U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/187,964, filed Mar. 9, 2000, entitled Food Products And Processes For Motivating Kids, which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An industry has been developed around the concept of motivation. Consultants have long been advising people how to motivate themselves and others through books, tapes, lectures, and tools. Some of these consultants have developed companies, such as Stephen Covey of Franklin-Covey Co. and Patricia McDade of Consulting Alliance, that explain to individuals and organizations how to motivate for positive results.

[0003] However, each type of person or organization requires different types of motivational tools to achieve desired goals. Businesses and other adult organizations may focus on the goals of the organization and apply motivational techniques and tools to motivate people within the organization to achieve those goals. Adults, in terms of their personal life, may utilize tools to encourage improved financial standing, a more well-rounded lifestyle, better relationships, increased communication skills for example. Some of the tools have common characteristics, such as goal setting, evaluation of motivations to perform actions, reward systems for achievement of goals, and the like.

[0004] The motivation of children, or kids, uses many of the common characteristics of motivation of adults. However one must keep in mind that kids do not in general comprehend, and therefore are not motivated by, the same motivational tools as are adults. Kids are more motivated by immediate gratification than mature adults. Kids may not be as motivated by what is for the common good or what is for the long range good.

[0005] A successful method of choosing an appropriate motivator, whether it be for kids or adults, is to observe how the person to be motivated approaches life. An adult who approaches life in the context of money and is interested in financial gains is motivated when the motivational tools incorporate monetary goals and rewards. According to Dr. Kim Bergman, “Play is the language of kids,” and therefore kids approach life in the context of play. As a result, motivators that incorporate playfulness and fun have an increased chance of success

[0006] Universally, parents and other caretakers of kids are interested in ensuring kids eat healthy foods. Rare is the child that is motivated alone by a statement such as “eat this—it is good for you.” The prior art has examples of motivators that are used to incorporate play into children eating, such as reward systems for kids that eat daily from each of the major food groups.

[0007] A product from OSCAR MEYER know as LUNCHABLES incorporates playful motivators to the children eating the food components in the product by having the children prepare a snack from the different components. Children perceive their involvement with the snack preparation process as playful, and therefore it motivates them to eat the food components. However, the container that holds the food components is boxy and very stark and, therefore, does not motivate children through the incorporation of playfulness. Yogurt has also been sold in this fashion, with the same problem about the container having a relative low appearance and perception of playfulness.

[0008] Therefore, a need exists for even more motivators that incorporate playfulness into having kids eat healthy, nutritious foods.

[0009] In addition to motivating children to eat what is good for them, they also need to be encouraged to do certain things that is either good for them as individuals or good for the community. Consequently, in certain situations, for example, they need to get dressed, eat, go to bed, help out, or simply be quit or stop what they are doing and do something else like go to the dentist. In such situations food is not an issue. Another item besides foods may, however, be used to establish a play pattern that will motivate them to engage in the desired activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] This invention has several features that are set forth in the CLAIMS. These features provide this invention with its many desirable attributes. After reading the following section entitled “DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS,” one will understand how the features of this invention provide its benefits, which include, but are not limited to, convenience of use and, most importantly, encouraging children to do what is good for them through the power of fun.

[0011] Broadly, this invention is a method of motivating a child to want to do what is beneficial. It includes the steps of

[0012] (a) providing an item which the child interacts with to establish a play pattern that is fun for the child, and

[0013] (b) packaging the item in a manner that is convenient to use and wherein the packaging assists in establishing the play pattern.

[0014] In some embodiments of this invention, the item is food. In other embodiments, the item is a plurality of cards. This invention also includes child friendly products including these items.

[0015] Novel items and methods have been discovered for incorporating playfulness into motivating kids to eat healthy, nutritious foods. These inventions involved bringing a sense of play to the presentation of vegetables and fruit and the process of eating the vegetables and fruit. It is to be understood that healthy, nutritious foods encompass any food that provides a benefit to the person eating it.

[0016] In an aspect of the invention, the items are food prepared and packaged in containers that motivate kids through the appearance and perception that the items are playful. The containers have the appearance and perception of playfulness because they are in recognizable kid-friendly shapes, such as hearts, flowers, stars, dinosaurs, footprints, totem poles, cartoon characters, and the like.

[0017] In further aspects of the invention, the containers incorporate handles and name tags that facilitate more playful interaction between the kids and the items and as a result motivates the kids to eat the food in the containers. In some embodiments of the invention, the tag or a location on the food package is adapted for a name, a nick-name, or other indicia to be written, which also serves as a motivator for kids. By providing a location for kids or others to personalize a relationship between themselves and their food package, they are more likely to “own” that piece of “style,” making the food package part of their “lifestyle.” One might say that personalizing the food package makes it “cool” and more enticing for a kid to interact with it.

[0018] In another aspect of the invention, the process for eating the food incorporates playfulness and therefore motivates kids to eat the food. Some of the items have food sticks, such as celery sticks, and dipping materials, such peanut butter, that facilitate the kids to dip the food sticks into the dipping material. This interaction of the kids with the components of the items incorporates a playfulness motivator into the eating process.

[0019] In another aspect of the invention, items have edible components that function as a game board and playing pieces or function as a three dimensional diorama having a stage and food in recognizable pre-cut shapes for arranging on the stage. The arranging of the diorama incorporates playfulness into the eating process and therefore motivates the kids to interact and eat the diorama components.

[0020] In other aspects of the invention, the food components comprise an edible string, such as a licorice whip, and die-cut food, such as vegetables and fruit in kid-friendly shapes. Kids are motivated to interact and eat the food components because they perceive that stringing the die-cut food on the string is playful. Other aspects of the invention include dioramas, stack-able food pieces, animated devices, puzzles, games and puppets.

[0021] In the embodiments where the item is a plurality of cards, the cards are assembled into a deck and each card has one face with a common imprint (the backside) and an opposite face imprinted with instructions (front side) for a play activity in which the child will engage. With the cards all having the front side positioned so the child can not see the activity imprinted on the cards, the child selects a card. The instructions typically require the parent or other care taker of the child to interact with the child by also engaging in the activity imprinted on the card selected by the child. There is a different activity imprinted on each card in the deck, and the cards are organized into groups that correspond to activities especially suited to certain situations. Preferably, the different groups of cards are marked with indicia indicating the situation in which a selected card group is to be used. The indicia may be one or more words or a color code. Typical situations include getting dressed, coming and going, mealtime, bedtime, helping out, and bath time. One group of cards may be designed for an active situation and another group of cards is designed for a situation where the child is quit.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0022] The preferred embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. These embodiments depict the novel and non-obvious child friendly products of this invention and methods using these products as shown in the accompanying drawing, which is for illustrative purposes only. This drawing includes the following figures (FIGS.), with like numerals indicating like parts:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a plan view of the first embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing food items such a pre-cut oval shaped carrots arranged in a package having a central heart shaped dip container holding dip.

[0024]FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the first embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1.

[0025]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the first embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 1 with the lid in place.

[0026]FIG. 3 is a plan view of the second embodiment of this invention showing a package in the form of a flower.

[0027]FIG. 4 is a plan view of a lid for second embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 3.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a plan view of the third embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a heart.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a plan view of a lid for third embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 5.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternate form of a lid for third embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 5.

[0031]FIG. 8 is a plan view of the fourth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a star.

[0032]FIG. 9 is a plan view of the fifth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a paw shape or print.

[0033]FIG. 10 is a partial plan view of the sixth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a butterfly.

[0034]FIG. 11 is a plan view of the seventh embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a waning or waxing moon with the pre-cut food items in an adjacent section.

[0035]FIG. 12 is a plan view of the eight embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of the plant with rings holding dip and the pre-cut food items in an adjacent sections corresponding to the body of the planet.

[0036]FIG. 13 a plan view of the ninth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a flower.

[0037]FIG. 13a a plan view of the tenth embodiment of this invention, with lid on, showing a package in the form of a flower basket.

[0038]FIG. 13b a perspective view of the eleventh embodiment of this invention, with lid partially removed, showing a package in the form of an egg with two sections, one holding pre-cut food items and an adjacent section holding a dip.

[0039]FIG. 14 a plan view of the twelfth embodiment of this invention, with lid on, showing a package in the form of a teddy bear.

[0040]FIG. 15 a plan view of the thirteenth embodiment of this invention, with lid on including a zipper, showing a package in the form of a robot.

[0041]FIG. 15a a plan view of a pre-cut food item in the form of a mechanical gear included in the package shown in FIG. 15.

[0042]FIG. 16 a plan view of the fourteenth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a wheel with sections as spokes holding pre-cut food items that radiate form a section serving as a hub and holding dip.

[0043]FIG. 17 a plan view of the fifteenth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a starfish.

[0044]FIG. 17a a plan view of a food item pre-cut and held by sections of the embodiment shown in FIG. 17.

[0045]FIG. 17b a plan view of the sixteenth embodiment of this invention, with lid on, showing a package in the form of a clam.

[0046]FIG. 17c a plan view of the seventeenth embodiment of this invention, with lid on, showing a package in the form of a sea horse.

[0047]FIG. 17d a plan view of the eighteenth embodiment of this invention, with lid on, showing a package in the form of a snail.

[0048]FIG. 17e a partial plan view of the nineteenth embodiment of this invention, with lid on, showing a package in the form of a fish.

[0049]FIG. 18 a plan view of the twentieth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a dinosaur.

[0050]FIG. 19 a plan view of the twenty-first embodiment of this invention, with lid on, showing a package in the form of a rabbit.

[0051]FIG. 19a a plan view of the twenty-second embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 19, with lid removed, showing sections holding the food items.

[0052]FIG. 19b a plan view of the twenty-third embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 19, with lid removed and showing pre-cut food items in an exploded position.

[0053]FIG. 19c a plan view of the twenty-fourth embodiment of this invention, with lid on, showing a package in the form of an Easter basket.

[0054]FIG. 19d a plan view of the twenty-fifth embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 19c, with lid removed and showing pre-cut food items in an exploded position.

[0055]FIG. 19e a perspective view of the twenty-sixth embodiment of this invention shown in FIG. 19c, with lid and food items removed, showing the package as a tray with separate sections for holding the food items.

[0056]FIG. 20 a plan view of the twenty-seventh embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a Christmas tree.

[0057]FIG. 21 a plan view of the twenty-eighth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a pumpkin, corresponding to the Halloween theme.

[0058]FIG. 21a is a plan view of pre-cut food items held by the package shown in FIG. 21 such as a bat, witches' hat, a spiders, a jack-o-lantern, a cat.

[0059]FIG. 22 a plan view of the twenty-ninth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package corresponding to a Valentine theme in the form of abutting heart shaped container sections holding crackers in some container sections, cheese in one container section and food items pre-cut into words or smiley faces in other container sections.

[0060]FIG. 22a is a plan view of a lid for each individual container section of the package shown in FIG. 22.

[0061]FIG. 22b a perspective view of a stack of die-cut food items pre-cut into smiley faces and held by the package shown in FIG. 22.

[0062]FIG. 22c is a plan view of die-cut food items pre-cut into words and smiley faces and held by the package shown in FIG. 22.

[0063]FIG. 23 a plan view of the thirtieth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package corresponding to a Valentine theme in the form of a heart with a central container holding dip and a surrounding section holding pre-cut food items.

[0064]FIG. 23a a plan view of the thirty-first embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package corresponding to a Valentine theme in the form of a heart and having a single section holding pre-cut food items in the form of a lip.

[0065]FIG. 23b a plan view of the thirty-second embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package corresponding to a Valentine theme in the form of a heart and having a single section holding pre-cut food items in the form of a the letters X and O, representing hugs and kisses.

[0066]FIG. 24 a plan view of the thirty-third embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package in the form of a woman's purse.

[0067]FIG. 25 a plan view of the thirty-fourth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package holding pre-cut food items used to make a diorama corresponding to a farm theme.

[0068]FIG. 25a is a perspective view of a pre-cut food item in the form of an elephant prior to slicing and to be held within the package shown in FIG. 25.

[0069]FIG. 25b is a perspective view of pre-cut food items such as stick men and a rabbit held within the package shown in FIG. 25.

[0070]FIG. 25c is a perspective view of a diorama made using the food items in the package shown in FIG. 25 with the pre-cut food items extending upward and outward from a dip foundation.

[0071]FIG. 26 a plan view of the thirty-fifth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package holding pre-cut food items used to make a diorama corresponding to a garden theme.

[0072]FIG. 26a is a perspective view of a diorama made using the food items in the package shown in FIG. 26 with the pre-cut food items extending upward and outward from a dip foundation.

[0073]FIG. 27 a plan view of the thirty-sixth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package holding pre-cut food items used to make a diorama corresponding to a funny face theme, with a perspective view of a diorama made using the food items in this package superimposed and showing the pre-cut food items extending upward and outward from a dip foundation.

[0074]FIG. 28 a plan view of the thirty-seventh embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package holding pre-cut food items used to make a diorama corresponding to a pizza theme.

[0075]FIG. 28a is a plan view of the food items in the package shown in FIG. 28 assembled into a pizza configuration.

[0076]FIG. 29 a plan view of the thirty-eight embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package holding pre-cut food items used to make a snow man.

[0077]FIG. 29a is a plan view of the food items in the package shown in FIG. 29 assembled into a snow man configuration.

[0078]FIG. 30 a plan view of the thirty-ninth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package holding pre-cut food items used to make a diorama corresponding to a log cabin theme, with a perspective view of a diorama made using the food items in this package superimposed and showing the pre-cut food items extending upward and outward from a dip foundation.

[0079]FIG. 31 is a front elevational view of food items held in a common package partially assembled into a crazy animal or totem pole.

[0080]FIG. 32 is a perspective view of food items held in a common package assembled into a standing robot man.

[0081]FIG. 32a is a perspective view of food items held in a common package assembled into a four legged robot animal.

[0082]FIG. 33 is a plan view of the fortieth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package holding pre-cut food items in the form of lateral triangles arranged in abutting relationship, with some items removed to show partially a picture printed on the bottom of the package holding these items.

[0083]FIG. 33a is a partial plan view of the forty-first embodiment of this invention with food items arranged in a jig-saw puzzle within a package for the food items.

[0084]FIG. 34 is a plan view of the forty-second embodiment of this invention with food items arranged in a jig-saw puzzle within a frame style package for the food items.

[0085]FIG. 34a shows a turtle picture for the jig-saw puzzle shown in FIG. 34.

[0086]FIG. 34b shows a dolphin picture for the jig-saw puzzle shown in FIG. 34.

[0087]FIG. 35 is a plan view of the forty-third embodiment of this invention showing food items in a package holding a cracker game board for tic-tac-toe and the food items pre-cut into the letters X and 0 in sections and a dip in another section.

[0088]FIG. 35a is perspective view of the food items that were held by the package shown in FIG. 35 being used to place the tic-tac-toe game with the dip spread on the cracker and some of the letters X and O in position.

[0089]FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the forty-forth embodiment of this invention showing, with the lid removed, a package containing pre-cut food items as tiddly winks being used to play the game tiddly winks.

[0090]FIG. 36a is a perspective view of a container removed from the package shown in FIG. 36 receiving a tiddly wink shown in solid lines and the starting position of this tiddly wink shown in dotted lines.

[0091]FIG. 37 is plan of the forty-fifth embodiment of this invention showing food items in a package having many sections holding individual food items with pairs of sections in different locations imprinted with identical designs, so picking two items may or may not match to create a memory game.

[0092]FIG. 38 is a plan view of the forty-sixth embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package holding pre-cut food items with the package creating a maze in which the food items are moved.

[0093]FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the forty-seventh embodiment of this invention, with lid removed, showing a package with a flower design game board for playing tic-tac-toe with pre-cut food items held by the package.

[0094]FIG. 39a is a perspective view of the game boards for the package shown in FIG. 39 with three different boards superimposed on each other, one with smiley faces, one with a traditional tic-tac-toe game board, and one with a swirl or modern design.

[0095]FIG. 40 plan view of the forty-eighth embodiment of this invention showing food items in a package covering the bottom of a package having codes imprinted thereon that are covered by individual food items, with the removal of a food item revealing a code that, for example, indicates winning a prize of some other reward.

[0096]FIG. 41 is a perspective view of the forty-ninth embodiment of this invention showing an egg shaped package providing an enclosure split into to half sections and holding food items that are to be assembled into a diorama contained within the egg shaped package.

[0097]FIG. 41a is a front elevational view of the assembled egg shaped package shown in FIG. 41, showing a diorama within this assembled egg shaped package and observable through an opening in the package.

[0098]FIG. 42 is a front perspective view of the fiftieth embodiment of this invention showing of a hand puppet that is cut away from a package containing pre-cut food items and is adapted to be attached to the hand of a child.

[0099]FIG. 42a is a rear perspective view of the hand puppet shown in FIG. 42.

[0100]FIG. 42b is a front perspective view of an alternate form of a hand puppet having a peel off protective sheet and that is cut away from a package containing pre-cut food items and is adapted to be attached to the hand of a child.

[0101]FIG. 42c is a rear perspective view of the hand puppet shown in FIG. 42.

[0102]FIG. 42d is a perspective view showing the hand puppet of FIG. 42b on the top of a child's hand with the fingers of the hand holding a pre-cut carrot from the package from which the hand puppet is formed.

[0103]FIG. 42e is a plan view of the underside of the showing the child's hand open and the sticky surface engaging the palm of the hand.

[0104]FIG. 42f is a front elevational view of the child hand with the outer fingers open and the inner fingers closed.

[0105]FIG. 43 is a front elevational view the fifty-first embodiment of this invention showing a display of a key ring carrying a deck of two different groups of playing cards, one group of cards designed for an active situation and another group of cards designed for a situation where the child is substantially quit.

[0106]FIG. 43a is a plan view of the backside of the group of cards for use when the child is active.

[0107]FIG. 43b is the backside of the group of cards for use when the child is substantially quit.

[0108]FIG. 44 is the backside of a number of different groups of playing cards shown in FIGS. 46 through 50, with the front sides of these different groups depicted in FIGS. 46 through 50, where the group of cards shown in FIG. 46 are used when the child is getting dressed, the group of cards shown in FIG. 47 are used to encourage the child to help out, the group of cards shown in FIG. 48 are used at meal time, the group of cards shown in FIG. 49 are used at bedtime, and the group of cards shown in FIG. 50 are used to encourage the child to get moving (coming and going).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0109] Food Games

[0110] Referring to FIG. 1, a packaged food 10 comprises a generally cylindrical container 12 holding carrots 14, and peanut butter 16. The container 12 has a round open top end 18, a generally cylindrical wall 20 extending from the top end 18 and terminating at a base 22. The base 22 has central portion 24 at which is formed a heart-shaped interior container 26 having an opening 28 that is accessible through the round open top end 18. The peanut butter 16 is disposed in the interior container 26. The container 12 is attractively colored in an embodiment of the invention.

[0111] The carrots 14 are attractively arranged in a such that their lengths lie generally on the radii of the cylindrical container 12. In the shown embodiment of the invention, the carrots 14 are stacked in layers, though other embodiments of the invention may have a single layer of carrots some other arrangement of the carrots that is visually attractive to children. In the shown embodiment of the invention, the cylindrical wall 20 is contoured to hold the carrots 14 in the shown arrangement, though other embodiments of the invention may have others means for relatively statically holding the carrots.

[0112] Attached to the container 12 is a handle 30 that extends through a tag 32. In the shown embodiment of the invention, the handle 30 is made of flexible material, but other embodiments of the invention may have handles that are relatively inflexible. More specifically, the handle 30 is a twisted plastic rope with two ends 34 that extend through two tabs 36, respectively, that extend radially outward from the open top end 18. Other embodiments of the invention may have other means to secure the handle 30 to the container 12.

[0113] The tag 32 is of a heart-shape that is reflected in the heart-shaped interior container 26. The tag 32 is shown with the indicia 38: “my snack . . . NICKI” and some ornamental designs. The packaged food 10 is sold with the indicia “my snack . . . ” imprinted on the tag 32 and the name NICKI is written on the tag at a later time, such as after a retail sale. In embodiments of the invention, the tag 32 may be completely blank at the time of a sale and any suitable indicia may be imprinted or otherwise placed on the tag. Further, any suitable indicia may be imprinted or otherwise placed on the tag 32 subsequent to a retail sale.

[0114] Referring now to FIG. 2 as well, a removable lid 40 is also a part of the packaged food 10. The lid 40 is shown separate from the container 12. However, the packaged food 10 is sold with the lid 40 on the top open end 18 such that the carrots 14 and the peanut butter 16 is sealed in the container 12. The lid 40 may be attached by any suitable means, such as adhesive, bonding, crimping, or a lip that engages the top end 18. The lid 40 may be able to reseal the container in some embodiments of the invention.

[0115] The removable lid 40 in the shown embodiment is substantially transparent and colorless such that the carrots 14 and the peanut butter 16 is visible through the lid. Other embodiments of the invention may have a colored transparent lid, a translucent lid, or an opaque lid. The lid 40 has indicia thereon comprising the phrase “Yummy Stuff” and ornamental designs of a heart 42 and curled border design 44. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the indicia is designed to be attractive to kids. Other embodiments of the invention may have a lid that is adapted to receive indicia after a retail purchase of the packaged food 10.

[0116] The packaged food 10 has been designed with numerous features that incorporate playfulness, fun, or otherwise increases a child's interest in the packaged food, all of which shall be referred to collectively as “fun” herein, in the packaged food. As the packaged food has been designed to incorporate fun, a child is motivated to interact with and eat the generally healthy and nutritious carrots 14 and the peanut butter 16 therein. This is beneficial as parents and other caretakers of kids find it advantageous for kids to eat healthy and nutritious food.

[0117] The shape of the packaged food 10 is one of the features designed to incorporate fun. Kids find certain shapes attractive because the shapes are recognizable and kid-friendly. It is to be understood that the term “kid-friendly” means that the item or process is designed to be attractive to kids or designed to relate to kids. Additionally, in the instance of an item, a “kid-friendly” shape or image is designed to relate to the visual and/or visceral world of kids. Further, in the instance of a “kid-friendly” process, it is designed such that a kid may have a viseral reaction with it. A non-exclusive list of kid-friendly shapes and images includes hearts, flowers, butterflies, stars, moons, planets, foot prints, hands, cars and other vehicles, snowmen, snowflakes, animals, boats, holiday symbols, houses and other buildings, trees and other plants, fish, teddy bears and other toys shapes.

[0118] The recognizable and kid-friendly shapes in the shown embodiment of the invention is the heart-shape of the interior container 26 and the name tag 32 and the round shape of the open top end 18. The contoured shape of the cylindrical wall 20 is also not only functional but designed to be interesting and fun to kids. Further, the shape size of the carrots 14 also attractive because the carrots are readily grasped by a kid.

[0119] The indicia 38 on the tag 32 and the indicia 42 and 44 on the lid 40 is another feature designed to incorporate fun and those motivate a kid's interaction with the packaged food 10 and eating the carrots 14 and peanut butter 16 therein. The heart design on the lid 40 reflects the heart shape of other components of the packed food. The stylistic and fanciful nature of the indicia is also attractive to kids and as such motivates kids in a beneficial manner.

[0120] The process of a kid interacting with the packaged food 10 outside of the act of eating the carrots 14 and peanut butter 16 also incorporates fun and, therefore motivates the kid to interact with the packaged food 10. A kid, or an adult, may customize the tag 32 and/or the lid 40 through the addition of indicia thereon. As kids perceive ownership as a form of fun, by writing their name on the packaged food 10, kids have increased sense of fun and are motivated to further interact with the packaged food. Further, a kid may grasp the handle 30 and carry the packaged food 10 with them, thereby increasing a sense of ownership and fun of the food and further motivating interaction with the food.

[0121] The process of eating the carrots 14 and the peanut butter 16 also incorporates fun and further motivates the kid to eat the nutritious food therein. The carrots 14 are grasped by the kid and dipped into the peanut butter. The dipping incorporates fun into the eating process

[0122] Other embodiments of the invention may comprise other foods for dipping, and other recognizable and kid-friendly shapes and indicia. Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, packaged food 50 comprises cauliflower 52 that is able to be dipped into peanut butter 54. A container 56 of the packaged food 50 is of a stylized flower shape with each petal being compartmentalized to hold the cauliflower. Other shapes in this embodiment include a circle formed by a round interior container 58 that holds the peanut butter 54, the leaf shape of a tag 60 on the handle 62. Attractive indicia in this embodiment includes a fanciful design 64 and lady bugs 66 on a lid 68.

[0123] Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, packaged food 80 comprises carrot chips 82 that are to be dipped into peanut butter 84. A heart-shaped container 86 is attractively divided into two compartments to hold the carrots chips 82 and the peanut butter 84. A first lid 88 is shown with an attractive design of a ribbon 90 adapted to have a name 92 or some other indicia placed thereon. The first lid 88 further has an attractive background indicia 94 and indicia of stylized flowers 96. The second lid 98 also has attractive indicia 100 of smiling, stylized flowers and a location 102 for a post-retail sale addition of indicia 104 such as a name.

[0124] Referring now to FIG. 8, a packaged food 120 stores tomatoes 122 and cauliflower 124 in compartments located about the perimeter of a container 126. An inner container 128 stores dressing 130 for dipping the tomatoes 122 and cauliflower 124 into. The container 126 is in a general star shape with the inner container 128 located in the middle of the star and the cauliflower 124 located in compartments formed at the points of the star. Further, the container has a border region 132 extending between the star points and the border region contains the compartments holding the tomatoes. A handle 134 extends from the container and extends through a tag 136 having indicia 138 thereon. In addition to the kid-friendly star shape of the container 126, the tag 136 is a kid friendly shape of a quarter moon.

[0125] Referring now to FIG. 9, a packaged food 140 comprises a kid-friendly paw-shaped compartmentalized container 142 holding kumquats 144, cream cheese spread 146, and carrot chips 148. There is a handle 150 extending from the container 142 and extending through a kid-friendly arrowhead shape tag 152.

[0126]FIG. 10 is a partial view of a packaged food 160 in which the container 162 is of a kid-friendly butterfly shape. A compartment 162 holds kid-friendly circular food chips 164 and kid-friendly paisley food chips 166. The other shown compartment 168 may hold any suitable dip 170 such as swirled peanut butter and jelly, white and yellow swirled cheese, or a pink shaded dip—such as port cheese. The swirled appearance of the dip 170 or a kid-friendly color dip adds to the attractiveness of the packaged food 160 and, thus, promotes kids to interact with the packaged food and eat the nutritious food 164, 166, and 170 therein.

[0127] Referring now to FIGS. 11 and 12, packaged foods 174 and 176 incorporate kid-friendly shapes of a celestial motif, such as quarter moons, round shapes, stars, and a planet with an asteroid belt.

[0128] Many other kid-friendly shapes may be incorporated into different packaged food embodiments of the invention. Referring now to FIGS. 13 through 18, packaged foods incorporate such kid-friendly shapes as a flower 180, a leaf 182, an egg 184, a basket 185, a teddy bear 186, a bow 188, a robot 190, a gear 192 a and 192 b, a wave or swirl 194, and a chain 196. Other kid-friendly shapes in animals such as a starfish 198, a clam 200, a sea horse 202, a snail 204, a fish 206, and a dinosaur 208.

[0129] The packaged food embodiments of the invention may also incorporate additional items that are kid-friendly, such as a zipper 210 for kids to open and close or a candy treat 212. The candy treat 212 serves as further motivation for kids to eat the fruits or vegetables in the teddy bear-shaped food package 186. Other embodiments of the invention may have other treats, candy and otherwise, that serve as motivation to first eat the other nutritious food in the food package.

[0130] Referring now to FIGS. 19 through 23 as well, packaged food in embodiments of the invention are in kid-friendly holiday shapes, such as Easter motifs 220 a-220 e and 221, Christmas trees 222, Halloween motifs 224 a-224 f, Valentine motifs 226 a-226 d for example.

[0131] The food in the packaged food embodiments may be die-cut into kid-friendly shapes as well, such as gears 192 a, Halloween motifs 224 b-224 g, and Valentine motifs 226 b-e for example. Additionally, the food may be spiral cut, such as spirals 214, from carrots, radishes, diakon so kids have fun playing with the food.

[0132] Referring now to FIGS. 16 and 23, the handles 196 and 228 of embodiments of the invention may be attractive to kids. The handle 196 is of a kid-friendly chain shape. The handle 228 is comprised of candy treats. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 19a comprises three foil-covered chocolate eggs 221 a. Other embodiments of the invention may have other suitable kid-friendly features, such as candy treats, to further motivate kids to interact with the food package and eat the additional food therein, serving as a built-in reward. Other embodiments of the invention may have other built-in rewards.

[0133] In other embodiments of the invention, the kid-friendly shapes are cartoon characters (not shown), such as DISNEY® characters, HANNA-BARBERA® characters, SESAME STREET® characters for example. These embodiments of the invention may be used to provide nutritious food to kids in theme-parks.

[0134] Referring now to FIG. 24, in another embodiment of the invention, a food package 300 is comprised of a compartmentalized container 302 that holds a licorice whip 304 and food beads 306 that are used to make a food necklace 308. While the shown embodiment of the invention have circular carrot chip beads 306 a, flower shaped die-cut jicama or daikon beads 306 b, oblong shaped carrot beads 306 c, and cereal beads 306 d, the food beads 306 may be of any suitable food and of any suitable shape. Further, the food beads 306 may be dyed to kid-friendly colors. Other embodiments of the invention may have other suitable edible or inedible “string” in place of the licorice whip 304. Kids are attracted to interactive foods and, therefore, are motivated to eat the food therein, as described above.

[0135] Referring now to FIGS. 25 through 29, in an embodiment of the invention, food packages 400, 402, 404, 406 and 408 comprise compartmentalized containers 401,403,405,407, and 409, respectively that hold food that is adapted and designed to have kids create dioramas and other items therefrom.

[0136] Referring specifically to FIG. 25, the food package 401 comprises a edible foundation 410, such as a cracker, to build a farm diorama 412. The foundation 410 may have peanut butter 414 or jelly 416 spread thereon to a thickness such that the food items 418 may be positioned and stand up on the foundation. In the shown embodiment, the food items 418 are broccoli bushes 418 a, die cut food animals and people 418 b, and a die cut food fence 418 c. The food package 400 also comprises a miniature rake and shovel set 420 that is used to spread the peanut butter 414 and jelly 416 on the foundation 410. Other embodiments of the invention may have any other suitable food items of kid-friendly shapes and colors. Kids find the food package 400 attractive because of the interaction of building the diorama 412 in additional to the presence of kid-friendly shapes.

[0137] Referring specifically to FIG. 26, the food package 402 is used to create a garden diorama 422 in a fashion similar to the creation of the farm diorama 412 of FIG. 25 using miniature garden tools 424. Referring now specifically to FIGS. 27 through 28, other embodiments of the invention have food packages 404, 406, and 408 that come with food materials to create a face 426, a pizza-type final product 428, and a snowman 430. The foundation of the face 426 is a cracker 427. The foundation of the pizza-type final product 428 is a pita bread 429. Other embodiments of the invention may have any suitable food in any suitable shape and color to attract kids to create assemblies of the food, such as the food house 432 shown in FIG. 30.

[0138] Referring now to FIG. 31, in an embodiment of the invention, food items 440 are in a food package and are adapted to be placed or stacked on a pole 442 having a base 444. The food items 440 have holes 446 adapted to have the pole 442 extend therethrough. The food items 440 are stacked on the pole 442 such that a totem pole 448 is created by a kid. Other embodiments of the invention may have any suitable food items that are adapted to make any suitable final product. Again, the interaction of the kids with the food motivates the kids to eat the food in the package.

[0139] Referring now to FIG. 32, food packages in embodiments of the invention comprise a wind-up mechanism 450 that is adapted to have food items 452 mounted thereon to create a robot man 454, an animal 456, or other suitable figures, such as a vehicle, a monster, a dinosaur, imaginary beasts and the like. When the mechanism 450 is wound up, the created items 454 or 456 become animated which also incorporates fun and motivates kids to interact with the embodiment of the invention and eat the food therein. Any suitable food items 452 may be used—such as corn, zucchini, carrots, celery, raisins, cheese, olives, and the like.

[0140] In other embodiments of the invention, the kid motivating interaction may be in the form of games. Referring now to FIGS. 33 and 34, a puzzle food package 500 is comprised of food pieces 502 that cover a picture 504. The motivation for the kids to interact with the puzzle food package 500 is to eat the food pieces 502 to uncover a kid-friendly picture 504 there below. As is shown specifically in FIG. 34, the puzzles may form a turtle 514 or a dolphin 516. Other embodiments of the invention may form other kid-friendly images, such as cartoon characters and other images that may or may not be licensed from the image owner.

[0141] Additionally, fun is incorporated into the puzzle food package 500 by having a kid guess as to the picture 504 as the food pieces 502 are being eaten. The food pieces 502 are triangular for puzzle food package 500. In puzzle food package 510, food pieces 512 are interlocking. Other embodiments of the invention may be of any suitable geometric, interlocking, or other shape.

[0142] The puzzle 500 also comprises a raised border 506 that is edible in an embodiment of the invention and is adapted to hold and support the puzzle pieces 502. Other embodiments of the invention may not include a border. In other embodiments of the invention, the picture 504 itself is also edible. In further embodiments of the invention, the picture 504 is comprises of indicia on an edible rice paper transfer or other food-appropriate applications.

[0143] In other embodiments of the invention, the food pieces themselves comprise the puzzle. The interaction of guessing the final image and arranging the pieces to find out the final image motivates kids to eat the nutritious food of which the pieces and the border is comprised.

[0144] Referring now to FIGS. 35-40, other embodiments of the invention are games that incorporate aspects of the previously disclosed embodiments. A tic-tac-toe game 550 is packaged such that a kid may create an edible tic-tac-toe game 552 in a manner similar to the dioramas discussed previously. In another embodiment of the invention, a tiddly-winks game 560 is adapted such that food chips 562 and a dip 564 are packaged similarly to the above discussed food packages. The kids flick the chips 562 into the dip 564 to play the game. In an embodiment of the invention the container 566 holding the dip 564 may be removable from the remainder of the container 568 to facilitate its positioning during playing the tiddly-winks game 560.

[0145] A memory game 570 is comprised of a container 572 with compartments 574 therein. At the bottom surfaces 576 of the compartments 574 are indicia 578. At least two of the compartments have the same indicia, such as a star 578 a. Each compartment 574 also holds a food piece 580 that covers the indicia 578 therein. The game is to find compartments 574 that have matching indicia 578, at which time the food pieces 580 are removed from the matching indicia compartments. The winner is the kid or person with the most removed food pieces 580. In an embodiment of the invention, the container 572 is edible as well as the food pieces.

[0146] In another game embodiment of the invention, a maze game 590 is comprised of a container 592 adapted to hold roll-able food 594 and dip 596 similarly to the food packages disclosed above. Additionally, a maze portion 598 has a contoured surface 600 that is adapted to be a maze through which the roll-able food 594 is guided from a start position 602 to a win position 604 by manipulating the maze portion.

[0147] In another game embodiment of the invention, a tic-tac-toe game 610 is comprised of a container 612 adapted to hold tomatoes 614 and dip 616. A board portion 618 has a tic-tac-toe board surface 619 having depressions 620 in the nine positions of the tic-tac-toe pieces. The depressions 620 are adapted to hold the tomatoes 614 during game play. Further, the board surface 619 is decorated with kid-friendly indicia 622, such as flowers 622 a, faces 622 b, a traditional tic-tac-toe playing surface 622 c, or a modern design 622 d, for example. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tomatoes are red and yellow to differentiate the two sets of playing pieces. Further, the container 612 is adapted to hold two types of dressing. Other embodiments of the invention may have playing pieces of other foods, may have containers of other arrangements than shown, and may have an edible playing board. Other embodiments may be of other games, such as checkers.

[0148] In another game embodiment of the invention, a food game 630 is comprised of a container 632 adapted with troughs 634 to hold food pieces 636. Indicia 638 is located in the bottom of the troughs 634 and is adapted to be covered by the food pieces 636. The indicia 638 may be coded words or phrases. Further, in an embodiment of the invention, the indicia may represent a winning word, phrase or symbol for which a prize may be awarded.

[0149] Referring now to FIG. 41, a viewing egg 650 is provided such that a diorama 652, such as disclosed above, may be assembled therein. The viewing egg has a hole 654 extending therethrough such that a kid may view the diorama 562 in the egg. In this embodiment of the invention, a kid may view the diorama 562, open the egg and eat the diorama. Further, the kid may assemble a new diorama therein and repeat the process. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the egg 650 is plastic. In other embodiments of the invention, the egg may be of any suitable material and shapes other than egg-shaped may be used to assembly and view a diorama therein.

[0150] Referring now to FIG. 42, in an embodiment of the invention a hand puppet 700 is used to incorporate fun and motivate kids to eat nutritious foods. The puppet 700 has an upwardly extending portion 702 adapted to appear as eyes. The puppet 700 also has a downwardly extending portion 704 adapted with holes 706 for fingers to extend through. The puppet 700 also comprises a forwardly extending portion 708 adapted to be a snout.

[0151] In another embodiment of the invention, a puppet 720 has a base portion 722 that forms the snout. An upwardly extending portion 724 is adapted to form the eyes of the puppet. On the underside 726 of the base portion 722 is an adhesive layer 728 and a protective sheet 730. The adhesive layer 728 is adapted such that the base portion 722 sticks to a hand 732 to form the puppet as shown. The protective 730 covers the adhesive layer and is removed prior to use of the puppet.

SUMMARY

[0152] These embodiments are based on an understanding of kids and how they approach life through play. Parents across the globe are interested in insuring their kids eat healthy foods. While some strides have been made in some food categories, significant opportunity remains to bring a sense of play to healthy foods. Nowhere are these strides needed more than with vegetables.

[0153] One aspect of this invention involves bringing a sense of play to fresh vegetables, vis-a-vis how they are presented. By combining the fun of toys with the healthfulness of fresh vegetables, there is created something entirely new and very much needed. Notably, the packaging in recognizable kid-friendly shapes like hearts, flowers, stars, dinosaur footprints, totem poles, faces, etc. The inclusion of a handle and name tag give an empowering feeling to kids and turns the snack info a fun meal on-the-go with their personal “imprimatur”. Artful, fashionable, and/or engaging graphics add to the visual appeal. The individual compartments designed for the food types is a take-off of the successful “lunchables” product and helps satisfy a kids' desire for “a place for everything, and everything in its' place.”

[0154] The actual interacting is playful. Kids like to dip foods, hence the dipping. Kids like to string beads. Here we have veggie beads, where kids can string die-cut vegetables into a necklace. Kids can create dioramas . . . 3-dimensional scenes by standing die cut veggies in sticky peanut butter spread upon the “stage” crackers. Other approaches include games: Tic Tac Toe with carrot x's and o's, and peanut butter to spread on a cracker for a sticky board. In another game, the container is a vacuum formed maze that kids can push grape tomatoes through. Tiddly winks, memory game, connect the dot, discover the words.

[0155] These products all could involve fresh produce, or freeze-dried/reconstituted/“baked chip” produce, or a combination there-of. The different embodiments deliver 1-2 full servings of vegetables. In some cases, the embodiments could include fruit pieces like grapes or melon chunks.

[0156] The invention could include special promotional items like “hot” licensed characters (e.g. Mickey Mouse or Winnie the Pooh) or seasonal items (Christmas, Valentines Day, Halloween). Examples of the seasonal items would be a zucchini snowman that you decorate, or a green “cracker” or pea Christmas Tree that you “decorate” with red grape tomato ornaments”. The heart shaped containers could be embellished for Valentine's Day, while the carrot chips could be die cut into jack' o lanterns for Halloween.

[0157] The packaging or container is in recognizable shapes that are kid friendly, and the veggies are die cut into recognizable kid friendly shapes, with holes for beading, stringing, stacking, etc. In some embodiments the veggies are used for game pieces with a game board, or a game board cracker with peanut butter on it so the veggie game pieces stick. Veggies are also used as objects in a kid friendly three dimensional diorama. Veggie/dip products may be themed with kid friendly themes. These could include licensed character, seasonal themes or perennial kid's favorites like dinosaurs. The spreading implements are tooled into theme objects instead of the typical knife shape. Thus, for the garden diorama, the spreader is a shovel and rake. For a face making veggie kit, the spreader is a comb or brush shape.

[0158] Card Games

[0159] As depicted in FIG. 43, a card board display 800 has mounted to it a key ring 802 carrying a number of playing cards 804, preferably laminated or otherwise made of a durable material. The key ring 802 carrying the cads 804 is easily portable for the parent. These cards 804 are divided into two separate groups 804A and 804B. The group 804A cards are all stacked next to each other and the group 804B cards are all stacked next to each other. Each card 804 has in a corner a hole 806 through which the key ring 802 passes. As shown in FIG. 43a, the cards in group 804A have on their backside 804 a a colored strip 805. As shown in FIG. 43b, the cards in group 804B have on their backside 804 a a colored strip 807 which is a different color than that of strip 805. As shown in FIG. 433a′, the cards in group 804A each have a front side 808 on which is printed instructions for games where the child is active. Each individual card of the group 804A has front side with instructions for a different game than any other card in this group. As shown in FIG. 43b′, the cards in group 804B each have a front side 810 on which is printed instructions for games where the child is encouraged to be substantially quit. In other words the instruction for the games of the group 804A cards tend to require very little, if any, physical activity, but require the child to engage his or her mind.

[0160] As illustrated in FIGS. 44 through 50, playing cards 812 similar to those discussed above are mounted on the key ring 802. As shown in FIG. 44, the backside 820 of the cards 812 is the same for all the cards. These cards are also in groups with the different groups being used in certain situations. The front side 822 of each card 812, however, has printed along an edge the situation where the different groups of cards is to be used. Specifically, the cards shown in FIG. 45 are in a group 812 a and used at bath time. The cards shown in FIG. 46 are in a group 812 b and used when getting dressed. The cards shown in FIG. 47 are in a group 812 c and used to encourage the child to help out with chores. The cards shown in FIG. 48 are in a group 812 d and used at meal time. The cards shown in FIG. 49 are in a group 812 e and used at bedtime. The cards shown in FIG. 50 are in a group 812 f and to encourage the child to get things done or get ready to go out, etc.

[0161] Using these cards 804 and 812 to play games provides a method whereby parents can motivate their kids to do what is good for them by harnessing the power of fun. Specifically, the cards include instructions that serve as prompts for parents about games they can have their child play on the spot to melt resistance over tasks to be done or cooperative actions to be performed. As shown on the cards 804 and 812, there are instructions for different games on each card. Preferably, these games require the parent or other caretaker to interact and engage in play with the child. The cards are color coded, or otherwise designated, for different situations in which the parent is seeking cooperation from their child. Depending on the situation, the parent selects the group of cards to be used. For example, at bedtime the goup of cards shown in FIG. 49 are used. With the backside 804 a or 820, as the case may be, facing the child so the child can not see the face side of the cards, the child picks a card and them the parent and child play the game outlined on the face side of the card.

[0162] In this way, the parent can fan the cards, with backside facing the child, and say “pick a card, any card.” And the card will have an appropriate action for the child to perform that gets them off the dime so to speak. A specific example is the need for forward progression (e.g. stop dilly-dallying). The cards shown in FIG. 50 all indicate games to be played to encourage forward progression and may, for example, be color coded green. If the parent is at the mall and the child is dragging her heels, the parent whips out the cards and says, “Pick a green card, any green card.” On each of several green cards, would be several related actions that the parent would choose from to give to the child as a mission. Options could include, by not be limited to:

[0163] Take three giant steps and one baby step.

[0164] Gallop

[0165] Skip

[0166] Step, step, wiggle, wiggle

[0167] Make up a silly walk

[0168] Yellow coded cards, for example, may be for situations where you want your child to be careful and the actions would be designed to slow your child down or keep your child close to you.

[0169] Hold on to my pinkie

[0170] Put you hand in my pocket

[0171] Give me your pinkie

[0172] Pretend you're my puppy on a leash

[0173] Take baby steps

[0174] Red coded cards, for example, may be for when a parent wants to stop a child from doing what they're doing and the actions represent healthy distractions. For example, the cards may be quiz cards such as:

[0175] What's your favorite movie (act out a scene, name the location, etc).

[0176] What's your favorite book (tell me all the characters you can think of).

[0177] What's your favorite fruit (Name five other kinds of fruit).

[0178] Who is your best friend (name ten other friends).

[0179] What's your favorite holiday (name three other holidays).

[0180] Questions about the alphabet

[0181] Questions about arithmetic

[0182] Questions about geography

[0183] Questions about animals

[0184] Questions about plants

[0185] Mission Cards may also be employed such as

[0186] Go over to the

[0187] Count the number of

[0188] Go touch each of the

[0189] Go find a on the sign

[0190] Find five things the color of

[0191] Blue cards may, for example, involve getting ready for the day or getting ready for bed. Purple cards, for example, may include wacky zingers that “shock” your kids out of anger or tantrums. These can also be used for distractions in any situation. Pink cards, for example, may include actions designed to put a child in a more loving or empathetic frame of mind. Orange cards, for example, may involve ways to make cleaning up more fun.

[0192] The card game is a tool for the parents to get their kids to do what they want without yelling, threatening, or nagging. They will be sold as a standalone item or as part of a gift set that includes a book by the same name. Because they are organized by groups on the key ring or some other organizer such as Roldex® card organizer.

SCOPE OF THE INVENTION

[0193] The above presents a description of the best mode contemplated of carrying out the present invention, and of the manner and process of making and using it, in such full, clear, concise, and exact terms as to enable any person skilled in the art to which it pertains to make and use this invention. This invention is, however, susceptible to modifications and alternate constructions from that discussed above which are fully equivalent. Consequently, it is not the intention to limit this invention to the particular embodiments disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications and alternate constructions coming within the spirit and scope of the invention as generally expressed by the following claims, which particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter of the invention: 

1. A method of motivating a child to want to do what is beneficial, including the steps of (a) providing an item which the child interacts with to establish a play pattern that is fun for the child, (b) packaging the item in a manner that is convenient to use and wherein the packaging assists in establishing the play pattern.
 2. The method according to claim 1 where the item is food.
 3. The method according to claim 2 where the food item is cut in a predetermined configuration that assists in establishing the play pattern.
 4. The method according to claim 3 where the predetermined configuration is in the form of an animal, a hearts, a flower, a lip, the letter O, the letter X, a word, a smiling face, a jack-o-lantern, a hat, a broom, or a mechanical object.
 5. The method according to claim 2 where the packaging of the food item is personalized using the name of the child being motivated.
 6. The method according to claim 2 where the packaging corresponds to a theme.
 7. The method according to claim 6 where the theme is indicated by a unique shape of the packaging or component part of the packaging.
 8. The method according to claim 7 where the unique shape is a heart, an animal, a celestial object, a paw print, a flower, an egg, a robot, a wheel, a Christmas tree, or a pumpkin.
 9. The method according to claim 2 where the food item and packaging are components of a game.
 10. The method according to claim 9 where the game is a puzzle, tiddly-winks, tic-tac-toe, memory-matching, a winning code on the packaging, or a maze.
 11. The method according to claim 2 where there a plurality of pre-cut food items and one food item providing a foundation whereby the child may create a diorama by placing the pre-cut food items into the food item providing a foundation.
 12. The method according to claim 11 where packaging provides an enclosure for the diorama through which the child may view the diorama.
 13. The method according to claim 2 where the packaging is adapted to form a hand puppet for the hand that the child uses to grasp the food item.
 14. The method according to claim 2 where the packaging includes candy.
 15. The method according to claim 2 where the packaging includes a handle.
 16. The method according to claim 15 where the handle is at least partially made of candy.
 17. The method according to claim 1 where the item is a plurality of cards adapted to be assembled into a deck, each card having one face with a common imprint and an opposite face imprinted with instructions for a play activity in which the child will engage upon selecting a card when all the cards having the face with the common imprint are positioned so the child can not see the activity imprinted on the cards.
 18. The method according to claim 17 where there is a different activity imprinted on each card in the deck.
 19. The method according to claim 18 where the cards are grouped to correspond to activities especially suited to certain situations.
 20. The method according to claim 19 where different groups of cards are marked with indicia indicating the situation in which a selected card group is to be used.
 21. The method according to claim 20 where the indicia is one or more words.
 22. The method according to claim 21 where the indicia is a color code.
 23. The method according to claim 20 where the situation is getting dressed, coming and going, mealtime, bedtime, helping out, and bath time.
 24. The method according to claim 20 where one group of cards is designed for an active situation and another group of cards is designed for a situation where the child is substantially quit.
 25. A child friendly product including packaging holding pre-cut food items, said packaging and food items being coordinated to enable a child to interact with both the packaging and the food item to establish a play pattern that is fun for the child.
 26. A child friendly product including a key ring and a plurality of cards assembled into a deck and attached to the key ring, each card having one face with a common imprint and an opposite face imprinted with instructions for a play activity in which the child will engage upon selecting a card when all the cards having the face with the common imprint are positioned so the child can not see the activity imprinted on the cards.
 27. The product according to claim 26 where the cards are grouped on the key ring to correspond to activities especially suited to certain situations.
 28. The product according to claim 27 where different groups of cards are marked with indicia indicating the situation in which a selected card group is to be used.
 29. The product according to claim 28 where the indicia is one or more words.
 30. The product according to claim 29 where the indicia is a color code. 